Recap: White House Tuesday Coronavirus Briefing

WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump and members of the U.S. coronavirus task force briefed reporters and the public Tuesday on the latest developments related to the continued U.S. response to the new coronavirus outbreak. Among those developments is a planned $850 billion federal aid package which could include direct financial relief for Americans feeling the economic strain of the pandemic.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday the Trump administration wants to send money to Americans as quickly as possible.

"Americans need cash now. And the president wants to get cash now. And I mean now, in the next two weeks," Mnuchin said during a news briefing.

Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Mnuchin did not specify an amount that might be sent to Americans, but he did note that millionaires would not receive the payment, Politico reported.

The package also is expected to provide relief for small businesses and the airline industry, according to the Associated Press. It also will likely include a massive tax cut for wage-earners.

Tuesday's briefing follows earlier recommendations by officials urging all older Americans to stay home. Additionally, officials recommended all Americans avoid crowds and eating out at restaurants as part of sweeping guidelines meant to combat an expected surge of coronavirus cases.

President Donald Trump, in a marked shift in tone about a crisis that has enveloped the globe, for the first time Monday acknowledged that the pandemic may send the U.S. economy into a recession and suggested that the nation may be dealing with the virus until "July or August," according to AP.

RELATED:

Coronavirus Live U.S. Updates: Primary Woes, Millions On Lockdown

Numbers: Latest U.S. Confirmed Cases And Deaths

The New Coronavirus: Your Questions Answered